About

 

— About the books —

Examen: The Nature of the Way is a fine-art coffee table photography book released on November 1st, 2020. While creator and director Chris Yates was participating in a year of service in the Chicago area, he began to connect with the Jesuits at Loyola University, Chicago. After the success of Emmaus: The Nature of the Way, Chris and photographer Robert Macaisa set out to continue the mission and message.

Nearly doubling in size, Examen: The Nature of the Way is the perfect sequel on our quest to understand The Nature of the Way. The format may be familiar but the stories through word for word journal entries and the telling eyes of all 40 men will move you on a journey, guided by the Ignatian exercise of The Daily Examen.

The Book is 292 pages, broken down into 5 chapters paralleling the 5 steps of the Daily Examen. With over 200 portraits, we journey through the intimate lives of men searching to find God in all things.

Emmaus: The Nature of the Way is a fine-art coffee table photography book released on May 13, 2017. The two-year project in the making began when creator and director Chris Yates realized that the Jesuits that he had grown to have a fond appreciation of were often very misunderstood.  

By photographing 22 of the Jesuit priests that live at Loyola Marymount University, Chris and photographer Robert Macaisa set out to portray these priests exactly how they are: human. Through the juxtaposition of formal and informal photographs, the book aims to break down some of the misconceptions and barriers that society has placed on priests.  

The book is 166 pages and broken down into five chapters that also include incredible stories encapsulating themes of love, friendship, doubt and the general human condition with over 100 portraits. 

 
 

— Meet the Artists —

 

 
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Chris Yates

Creator and Director Chris Yates was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. His faith has always been a prominent cornerstone in his life, which stems from the Catholic education he has received his entire academic career. Moving to Los Angeles and attending Loyola Marymount University was the first time Chris understood that his passion for his faith and his creativity could go hand and hand. 

Chris graduated from Loyola Marymount with a B.A. in Screenwriting and archaeology minor. Chris currently lives in Wilmington, North Carolina where he is the owner of a Yoga Studio - BODHI. His focus on long-term projects aims to  connect people with those who may be on the margins —either physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. 

 
 
 
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Robert Macaisa

Robert Macaisa is a professional portrait photographer and filmmaker, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He got his start creating imagery in high school, as lead shooter and executive producer of Notre Dame High School's NDTV weekly news show. There, he found his passion behind the camera and telling people's stories. 

He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2014 with a B.A. in Film & Television Production. Now he shoots photos and videos for various clients all over the state of California.  Robert strongly believes light is central to his work. You can use light to really tell one's story. A shadow or a highlight can be its own tale, bringing the soul of a person to the forefront of a single photo. He hopes the photos in this book succeed in telling the appropriate story and maybe even help the reader discover their own as well.